USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our County and Its People: A Descriptive and Biographical Record of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Volume 2) > Part 19
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73
Beetle, John II., son of James and Aun Amelia (Hathaway) Beetle, was born in New Bedford, August 29, 1855. His father, who died in New Bedford on March 28, 1886, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, was a well known and highly respected
Digitized by Google
21
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
citizen. Although a native of New Bedford, he spent his boyhood on Martha's Vine- yard, but during the balance of his life lived in New Bedford. He early learned the boat building trade and followed it for many years, gaining a high reputation for his product. He was also engaged for some years in business as a ship agent, and served as alderman under Mayor French. He was a quiet man, possessing a dis- like for display, but withal, of shrewd ability and foresight, John H. Beetle was educated in the New Bedford schools, and was graduated from the High School with the class of 1878. He early began to learn the boat building trade under his father, and in 1881 engaged in business as a boat builder on his own account. After his father's death he continued the latter's well established business in company with bis brothers, James C. and Charles D). The former retired at the end of the first year, and he continued his association with the latter until 1801. when he withdrew from the business. In 1883 Mr. Beetle had commenced to survey lumber and continued this business, while carrying on his boat building interests, and in 1883 was made lumber surveyor for the city, which position he still holds. He has been engaged, to a considerable extent, by the firm of Greene & Wood. He married in 1882, Lot- tic, daughter of Artson K. Dennison of New Bedford, and they have four children: Ruth D., Ralph D., Clara and Carl N.
Bennett, John E., one of Dartmouth's representative and most respected citizens, was born in the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, Mass., December 28, 1851. His early education was obtained in the public schools of his native town, and at the age of twenty-one he began farming on his own account. March 6, 1878, he married Rebecca, daughter of Charles and Rhoby (Allen) Slocum of Dartmouth, and they have one daughter, Alice May. Mr. Bennett is a young man, but enjoys universal respect and esteem in the community.
Bennett, Robert Gilbert, undertaker and embalmer, is the son of Robert Bennett and Wealthy Jenney, his wife, and a grandson of Gilbert Bennett of Rochester, and was born at Marion, Mass., August 19, 1840. In 1849 he came with the family to New Bedford, where the father died October 4, 1878, aged seventy-eight, and the mother on April 21, 1891, at the age of eighty-nine years and nine months. He was educated in the New Bedford public schools and at Taylor's Commercial Institute, after which he was successively a clerk in the dry goods stores of Job A. T. Eddy, Benjamin H. Waite, and Edward Haskell. In 1867 he engaged in the dry goods business for himself, which he continned until 1882. when he changed to the forni- ture trade. In 1892 he retired from the furniture business, and since then he has followed the profession of undertaker and funeral director, having a first-class estab)- lishment at 356 Acushnet avenue. Mr. Bennett belongs to the Knights of Ilonor, and is an official member of the County Street M. E. Church. June 5, 1864, he mar- ried Mary E., daughter of Peleg and Eliza (Brightman) Gifford, of New Bedford, and they have one daughter, Lillias M. A son, Albert C., died September, 1869.
Bennett, Thomas, jr., who was called the "father of the textile industry in New Bedford," died at the old colonial mansion on County street, where he had resided thirty four years. April 17, 1898, in the seventy eighth year of his age. Thomas Bennett, jr., was born in New Bedford, August 16, 1820, in the old Humphrey How- land home on Union street. He was a son of Capt. Thomas Bennett and of Nancy Howland, a daughter of Humphrey Howland. Of the five children born to them
Digitized by Google
22
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
only two lived to maturity, Robert Bennett of Fairhaven and Thomas Bennett, jr. Capt. Thomas Bennett sailed in the service of the Liverpool line of packets and was captain of the packet ship New York for many years. He spent the latter years of his life at the old homestead in Fairhaven, which has been in the possession of the fam- ily over two hundred years. Thomas Bennett, jr., was educated at the Friends' Academy in New Bedford, and after leaving school entered the counting room of Elisha Dumbar. After Mr. Dunbar's death he filled for seven years a similar posi- tion with Edward C. Jones; at the end of this period he went south to Upson county, Georgia, where he received his training in the cotton manufacturing busi- ness. Being in a cotton growing country he also had abundant opportunity to study the growth of the cotton plant. After three years he returned to New Bedford with the idea of interesting northern capital in starting a cotton mill in the South, but Mr. Joseph Grinnell, and others whom he consulted, preferred that the mill should be built in New Bedford. This led to the incorporation of the Wamsutta Mills in 1847, Mr. Bennett being made agent and superintendent. He continued in these positions until 1874, when, having gained a competence, he retired from the cares of active business. He was one of the first board of directors of the Fall River Bleach- ery and for some time a member of the New Bedford water board. No man stood higher in the estimation of his friends and business associates than he; sterling integrity, progressive ability, and the power of application were attributes of which he more than once proved himself to be possessed. In 1854 he married Sibyl T., daughter of Richard Williams, of New Bedford, and they had two children: Clara Bennett and Williams Bennett, who died in 1875.
Bennett, William James, cashier at Fall River of the N. Y., N. H. & Hartford Railroad Co., a son of James W. and Nancy C. (Hathaway) Bennett, was born in Fall River, July 31, 1865. His ancestors for several generations have resided in Bristol county. After completing his education in the public schools of Fall River he was employed by Mckenzie & Winslow, grain dealers, and next filled a position in the office of the South Massachusetts Telephone Company. He passed two years in a grocery store, and in 1888 entered the employ of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Company as clerk, and in 1893 was promoted to the position of cashier of the freight depot in Fall River. August 26, 1890, Mr. Bennett married Susan H. Lewis, daughter of John A. and Nancy 'T. (Hathaway) Lewis, of Dighton, Mass. ; they have two sons, Everett Hathaway and William Lewis.
Bentley, Samuel E., son of Erastus and Jane (Griffin) Bentley, was born in Jericho, Chittenden county, Vt., December 22, 1844. His father was a prosperous farmer and during his boyhood he assisted in the farm work and attended the neighboring schools, acquiring a good education. At the age of sixteen he enlisted in Co. K, 5th Vermont Volunteers, and served three years and seven months, participating in most of the "Peninsular Campaign." He was captured May 14, 1864, at Spotsyl- vania, and confined in Andersonville prison eight months, and on March 31, 1865, he was honorably discharged and returned to his home. In the spring of the following year he went to Holyoke, Mass., and entered the carding room of the Lyman Mills. Three years later he sought to better his position by removing to Williamstown, where he became a second hand in the plant of the Williamstown Manufacturing Co., and in 1871 he entered the employ of the Renfrew Manufacturing Co., at Adams,
Digitized by Google
23
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
Mass., as a second hand, and was promoted to the position of overseer of carding, remaining in that capacity until 1878, when he came to New Bedford. For a short time he was employed as a second hand at the Wamsutta Mills and was then ten- dered a position in the Potomska Mills, as overseer of carding, which he accepted and filled five year :. At the end of that period he became superintendent of the plant, and he filled this responsible position very acceptably for eleven years, retir- ing in 1895. He has served as alderman three times, 1895-06-98, and in 1897 was a candidate for mayor. He is a member of Williams Lodge of Masons of Williams- town, Mass., and of R. A. Pierce Post No. 190, G. A. R.
Berard, Norbert P., sou of Herbert and Cloffe Berard, both natives of Quebec, was born at St. Hugues, Quebec, June 2. 1860, and came to the United States in 1871. He has been a resident of Fall River since 1879. He worked in mills in Woonsocket and Fall River for several years, and in 1882 engaged in the furniture business, which he still conducts successfully. Mr. Berard is a member of several social orders, among them the Ligue de Patriote, the Knights of Pythias, and St. John the Baptist. Ile is also a member of the Fall River Agricultural Society, and has been its president. He is a stockholder and vice-president of the Lafayette Bank. Mr. Berard married Delia Lamaeroux, and they have eight children, five sons and three daughters: Lydia Z., Florida, Norbert H., Alphonse A., Hector, Edith, Edward and George.
Billings, William Richardson, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., May 23, 1853. His early education was received in the public schools of Brooklyn, at Allen Brothers' school, Newton, Mass., and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, from which he was graduated in the class of 1871. He then came to Taunton with the Mason Machine Company, where he spent five years in mastering the machinist's trade, and after that, for about two years, was an assistant teacher in the Bristol Academy. In 1879 Mr. Billings was appointed clerk and superintendent of the Taunton Water Works, which position he held nine consecutive years. After a short engagement with the Chapman Valve Company as traveling salesman, he was chosen treasurer of the Taunton Locomotive Manufacturing Company, which position he still holds. In October, 1881, Mr. Billings married Nancy Hull Goldsbury, youngest daughter of Dr. Ira and Martha E. Simpson, and they have one daughter, Grace Sampson Bill- ings.
Blackway, Charles William, machinist, a member of the firm of Fyans, Fraser & Blackway, was born in Swansea village, Mass., May 8, 1853. His father was a na- tive of Philadelphia, Pa., and early in life moved to Swansea where he followed the trade of a shoemaker; he married Abbie Ann Lewis, whose ancestors for several generations were residents of Massachusetts. When Mr. Blackway was twelve years old his parents came to Fall River. He attended the public schools and at an early age left school to work in Dr. Nathan Durfee's cotton mill in the carding de- partment. He remained there two years and then secured like employment for one year in the American Linen Mill. He worked for a short time afterward in the Me- chanics' Mill and iu 1871 decided to learn the trade of a machinist, spending three years as an apprentice in the Mason Machine Works at Taunton and continuing there six years longer as a journeyman. In 1880 he accepted a position in the em- ploy of the Fall River Machine Company and continued there until 1803, when he
Digitized by Google
.
24
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
became a member of, and helped to organize the firm of Fyans, Fraser & Blackway. This enterprising firm is engaged in repairing all kinds of machinery, engines, etc., and in mill work ; they also build special varieties of machinery, and are constantly increasing their business and extending and enlarging their facilities for work. Mr. Blackway is a member of various fraternal orders, including the Masonic, Odd Fel- lows and Knights of Pythias. November 24, 1891, he married Auna Maria, daughter of the late Capt. John and Harriet (Lewin) Carr. They have one son, Charles Everett. Mrs. Blackway's father followed the whaling business for many years, being a resident of Fall River.
Blackinton, L. A., was born in Attleborough, August 24, 1856. His father, Will- iam Blackinton, was also a native of the same town, where the family were among the pioneer settlers. William Blackinton married Rebecca, daughter of Josiah Allen. He was a large thread manufacturer, and during the panic of 1856 went out of business. In 1858 he associated himself with J. M. Bates, manufacturing brace- lets, which he continued but a short time. In 1869 he began the manufacture of chains, under the name of Blackinton & Sweet, which in 1870 merged into the firm of W. S. Blackinton, and at the present time is among the largest manufacturers of chains in the United States. L. A. Blackinton was educated in Attleborough and the business college at Providence. Ile traveled as the firm's representative for some years, and in 1880 became one of the members. In 1889 Mr. Blackinton mar- ried Lorena Pray, and they have one daughter, Gladys A. He is a member of Ezekiel Bates Lodge, of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co. of Boston, and other clubs and societies.
Blain, Charles Hodge, manager of Cobb, Bates & Yerxa's business in Taunton, was born in Canaan, Columbia county, N. Y., March 7. 1857. He was educated in Amsterdam (N. Y.) Academy and Schenectady Union College. After leaving col- lege he went to Boston and engaged with Fuller & Bartlett as clerk in the grocery business, remaining with them about four years. In March, 1882, he came to 'Taun- ton and assumed control of the C. B. & Y. store, which at that time had been started about two months. It is now the headquarters in the city for staple and fancy groceries, and one of the best in the country. In October, 1885, Mr. Blain married Emma J. Burt, and they have three children: Josephine Burt. Margaret Graham, and Graham Burt.
Blake, James E., son of James H. and Sarah Blake (ace Pitts), was born in Fall River, Mass., in 1826. His boyhood was spent in Dighton, where he received a common school education. Removing to New Bedford in 1840, he entered the em- ploy of Dr. Silas Tompkins and Brother, at the same time continuing his education in a private school. In 1849 the brother withdrew from the firm, and Mr Blake was received into partnership with Dr. Tompkins, becoming sole proprietor after the death of Dr. Tompkins, in 1854. Mr. Blake is the oldest druggist in New Bed- ford. His business career covers a period of fifty-eight years, and is one which challenges emulation. The store on the corner of North Second and Middle streets is an interesting landmark, and for many years has been distinguished by " the sign of the Good Samaritan." The establishment is one of the most extensive to be found in Bristol county, both in the wholesale and retail departments. As a citizen, Mr. Blake is highly esteemed and respected, and takes a lively interest in all public
Digitized by Google
ยท
25
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
affairs. Ile is a member of Star in the East Lodge, F. & A. M., of De Molay Com- . mandery. K T., of the Massachusetts State and American Pharmaceutical Associa- tions, and of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. In 1860 he married Lois Akin Davis, daughter of Humphrey Davis, of Long Plain, Mass., and they have nine chil- dren living, viz., George A., who is associated in business with his father; Clara S .; Ralph V., a dentist in Boston; James Edwin, jr., who is employed by the drug house of Hall & Lyon, Waltham; Lois D., a stenographer; Herbert T .. who is employed by the wholesale drug firm of Peter Van Schaack & Sons, of Chicago; Ada S., a kindergartner; and Robert P. and Emily S.
Blandin, George C., was born in Taunton in 1852, a son of Capt. S. G. and Caro- line French Blandin. His father was a tailor and worked at his trade in Taunton. Mr. Blandin started out in life for himself when only eighteen years of age. His first employment was with Eastman & Co.'s Express business, where he remained six years; afterwards with the Adams Express Co., as messenger on the N. Y., N. H. & H. Railroad; later as agent at New Britain, Conn., for three years; and for nine years was in charge of the N. Y. & Boston Express Company's office in Fall River. In 1892 he came to Dighton as bookkeeper for the Century Stove Co. In 1881 Mr. Blandin married Fannie Presbrey, and they have one daughter, Maud P. Mr. Blandin is a member of several orders.
Bliss, A. H., was born in Rehoboth, March 28, 1851, a son of Henry E. Bliss, a native of the same place, where his parents were among the pioneers of that town. Henry E. married Cornelia Hale, and was engaged in cotton manufacturing. A. H. Bliss was educated in the common schools and learned the machinist's trade in Providence. In 1873 he came to North Attleborough and entered the employ of F. G. Whitney, remaining with him nine years, and in 1882 he formed a business asso- ciation with F. G. Pate, retiring in 1887, and in 1888 established his present busi- ness, making a specialty of chains. In 1873 he married Catherine Carpenter of Kingston, and they have two sons: Edwin C. and Frank H.
Bliss, Everett B., was born in Attleborough, October 81, 1889, a son of Zeba and Lepha (Peck) Bliss. His father was a contractor and builder and was prominently identified in the milling interests of Maine and Massachusetts; he died in 1858. Everett B. Bliss was educated in the public schools and learned the jeweler's trade with Hayward & Briggs. In 1873 he established what is now the firm of Bliss Bros., manufacturing jewelers In 1862 he enlisted in Co. M. 40th Mass. Vols., serving in the Army of the Potomac, and siege of Fort Wagner, S. C., and Florida campaign; was in action at Ten Mile Run, Lake City, Gainsville, Cedar Creek, and numerous other engagements in Florida; at Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor, Heights of Peters- burg, and Siege of Petersburg: was under fire ninety days. He was among the leading men to enter Richmond at its capture, and received an honorable discharge in 1865. In 1868 he married Annie M., daughter of Joseph M. Newcomb, and they 'have two sons: Milford E. and Edward N.
Blossom, Eli Walter, a native of New Bedford, Mass., born January 22, 1850. IIe removed to Westport when he was quite young and received his education in the common schools of that town. Mr. Blossom has devoted his entire life to farming. January 1, 1878, he married Ella J., daughter of William and Nancy E. Young, and d
Digitized by Google
26
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
they have four children: Mary E., born July 6, 1879; Alice M., born April 21, 1882; Clarissa L., born May 1, 1884; and Susan M., born July 20, 1887. Mr. Blossom is one of Westport's most successful farmers and enjoys the respect and confidence of a large circle of friends. He has been surveyor of highways for the last twenty-five years.
Bodge, John P., agent and treasurer of the Arkwright Mills, is a son of James and Angeline R. (Hathaway) Bodge. His father was a native of New Hampshire and came to Fall River in 1847. The family were early settlers in America, and origi- nally came from the Jersey Islands. John P. Bodge is seventh in the line of Andrew, who settled in Maine in 1706. He was born in Fall River, April 8, 1856, and attend- ed both the public and high schools. After leaving school he secured a position as clerk in the coal office of Joseph A. Bowen, later entering the employ of the Durfee Mills, where he remained as an operative for a period of seven years. He then spent one year as an overseer of carding in the Stafford Mills, at the end of that time going to the Globe Yarn Mills, where he remained seven years. He then accepted the po- sition of superintendent of the Hargraves Mills, which he held for eight years. In April, 1897, he organized the Arkwright Mills, and when the company was incorpo- rated was made agent and treasurer, with Joseph A. Bowen president, and James M. Morton, jr., as clerk of the board. Ile is a thirty-second degree Mason, holding membership in King Philip Lodge, F. & A. M., and Godfrey de Bouillon Command- ery, Knights Templar; also a member of Fall River Lodge of Odd Fellows, and the I. O. R. M. November 15, 1881. Mr. Bodge married Malvina J., daughter of Clark Freelove of Fall River, and they have one son, L. Clifford.
Boomer, Thomas, son of Martin and Amy (Thurston) Boomer, was born in Fall River, May 22, 1857. He is a member of a family which is said by some historians to have been the third to settle in the vicinity of Fall River. His father resided in Fall River all his life, following the occupation of a ship carpenter, and gaining a reputation for industry and integrity. During his boyhood Mr. Boomer attended the public schools, acquiring a good common school education, which was later supple- mented by a course in the Holmes Business College. After leaving this institution he engaged successively in farming, stone quarrying, the moulder's trade, and in the mill business. In 1880 he purchased the farm in North Dartmouth on which he now resides, eight miles northwest of the city of New Bedford. He has served as road surveyor and in other minor town offices.
Boomer, Walter Martin, was born in Fall River, Mass., December 24, 1847, a son of Martin and Amy (Thurston) Boomer. His ancestors were of English descent and were among the first settlers in Fall River. Mr. Boomer was educated in the public schools of Providence, R. I. His first employment was in a machine shop at Fall River. Later he was employed by Oliver Buffinton, a market gardener, for three years. At the end of this time he accepted a position with Joseph Elsbree, where he remained for one year, and then removed to Providence, R. I., and engaged in the jewelry business, which he continued ten years. He was next employed by his broth- er Thomas in the milk business, and after a service of nine years bought his present farm and engaged in marketing butter, eggs, produce, ete. January 6, 1882, he mar- ried Cynthia, daughter of Ebenezer and Hannah (Sherman) Andrews, and they have sevon children: C. Amy, Thomas M., Hannah E., Rhoda S., Lena R., Nancy A. and Peleg W.
Digitized by Google
27
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
Booth, James H., merchant, was born in Fall River, May 2, 1867, a son of George and Sarah (Johnston) Booth. His father was a native of Bury, England, and his mother was born in Taunton, Mass .. of Scotch ancestry. George Booth, his father, came to this country early in life, served nearly four years in a Massachusetts reg- iment during the Civil war and participated in many hard fonght battles. James H. Booth was educated in the public schools and spent one year in the high school. When quite young he secured a position in the store of Frank E. Sargent, where he remained seven years, at the end of which time he became a salesman in the store of R. A. McWhirr & Co., remaining three years. In 1892 he associated himself with R. A. Bogle in the dry goods business at 71 South Main street, under the firm name of Bogle & Booth. They met with encouraging success, but on December 28, 1893, their store was partly destroyed by fire, involving a loss of $3,000, which was, how- ever, covered by insurance. They continued in business as a firm until 1897, when Mr. Booth purchased the interest of his partner and has since conducted the business himself. January 15, 1896, Mr. Booth married Belle D., daughter of Charles H. and Maria C. Dillingham, and they have one son, Charles D. Booth. Mr. Booth is a member of the Royal Arcanum.
Borden, Charles F., senior member of the firm of Borden & Remington, is a son of Joseph and Amy (Hathaway) Borden, and was born in Fall River, September 24, 1854. His father was a prominent citizen of Fall River for many years, being su- perintendent of the city farm for several terms and holding the position of superin- tendent of the bleaching department of the American Printing Company for a long period. He also served several terms on the board of aldermen. Charles F. Bor- den attended the public and high schools of Fall River and then was employed for a short time as bookkeeper for Davis Brothers; later he entered the employ of R. K. Remington, who conducted a business in manufacturers', painters' and masons' supplies. This business had been established in 1834 by Hale Remington, who was later succeeded by Shove & Remington, and still later by R. K. Remington, who con- ducted it until his death in November, 1886. Mr. Borden went into the business as an office clerk and bookkeeper, but later became a salesman. At the death of Mr. Remington he formed a copartnership with Edward B. Remington, taking the firm name of Borden & Remington, which still continues. The trade of this concern has increased in proportion to the growth of the city and at present covers a wide area. The office, warerooms and docks are located at the foot of Annawan street.
Borden, Edwin, son of Christopher and Lucy II. (Davis) Borden, was born in Tiverton, R. I. (now Westport, Mass.), June 26, 1850. The Bordens from whom he is descended were originally from Normandy, France. There were two brothers, Richard and John Borden, who came to America in 1635, and settled in Portsmouth, R. I. Richard, the progenitor of this family of Bordens, was one of the three men to lay out the original town of Portsmouth, R. I .; his son Matthew was the first white child born on the island. Richard, of the third generation, was born October 24, 1671; Thomas (4), was born December 6, 1697; Christopher (5); Jonathan (6) ; Abraham (7); Christopher (8), and the subject of the sketch ninth. Edwin Borden received his education at the public schools and the Providence Friends School. He remained at home with his parents until March 2, 1871, when he married Mary E., daughter of William and Nancy (Pierce) Young, and they have five children:
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.